Meeting to discuss security issues for Tamil Nadu fishermen

Officials of various departments including the Coast Guard, Coastal Marine Police and Fisheries on Wednesday held a meeting here with fishermen's association members on security issues.

District collector K Nanadhakumar urged fishermen to immediately inform police about the smuggling activities.

The Collector said fishermen's cooperation was essential for the coastal security, and this was the second meeting being organised with fishemen to discuss security issues. 

The fishermen sought better police security in the coastal areas of Ramanathpuram district and the island in particular. The collector said repair work would be undertaken on the watch tower at Dhanushkodi for better monitoring of the sea.

He warned fishermen against using high-power engines in their boats while putting to sea and said cases would be registered if they do so. He said banning country boat fishermen also from fishing for 45 days was under government's consideration.

Police said 183 cases had been filed against fishermen who used banned fishing nets.The Superintendent of Police said 120 Battalion Police had been deployed in Rameswaram island for better protection.

Coastal Margine group police IG Chokalingam said 100 check posts had been installed in the coastal areas and 30 coastal police stations had been built.